Purri receives Black Lives Matter social sciences research scholarship
Daniel Purri, political science major, is the 2026 Black Lives Matter Research Scholarship recipient, an honor that recognizes his work advancing the understanding of Black experiences. Below, the Anteater from Belo Horizonte, Brazil reflects on his time at UCI, his passion for law, public policy and international relations, and how he hopes to use his degree to create opportunities for others.
Q: What drew you to study political science, and specifically at UCI? What interests you most about your work?
A: Politics, laws, institutions, and international relations interest me because they all shape the lives of people around the globe. I grew up in an international environment, witnessing the impact of politics on employment and upward mobility, also, education and the future of communities as a whole. Each of these experiences led me to study and gain a deeper understanding of political systems so that I could leverage my studies into a career in law, public service or international affairs.
UCI was the best choice to me because of its outstanding academic reputation; excellent social science division; diversity of students and curriculum; and numerous opportunities through the School of Social Sciences. One of the things that excites me about political science is the ability to look at real-world issues (justice, immigration, democracy, diplomacy and inequality) while simultaneously hoping to improve my critical thinking skills, improve my writing abilities, and understand how different individuals view issues.
Q: When will you complete your degree and what’s next for you?
A: I plan to finish my degree by spring 2027. After graduation, my goal is to continue building experience in law, public policy, or international relations. I am also strongly considering law school, with an interest in areas such as corporate law, international law, or public interest work.
Long term, I hope to use my education and background to create opportunities not only for myself, but also for others who come from immigrant or international backgrounds and are trying to build a future through education.
Q: What would you consider your biggest accomplishment at UCI?
A: One of my biggest accomplishments at UCI has been continuing to grow academically while adjusting to a new environment as an international student and transfer student. Being able to pursue my degree at UCI, stay focused on my goals, and keep pushing forward despite financial and personal challenges is something I am very proud of.
Q: What activities have you been involved with as an Anteater?
A: Here at UCI, I have been involved on campus through student employment and community engagement. I currently work with UCI Campus Recreation as a Weight Room Supervisor, where I help support a safe, welcoming, and organized environment for students using the fitness facilities. I have also looked for opportunities to volunteer and give back to the community, including interest in events connected to Los Angeles and the 2026 World Cup. In the past, I also served as a Student Ambassador at Antelope Valley College, where I helped represent the college and support students.
Q: Tell us about any research you’re involved with, and what work you’ll be doing with this new scholarship.
A: I am very interested in research connected to political systems, law, immigration, and international relations. Through my coursework, I have explored topics such as democracy, authoritarianism, justice, and the role of institutions in shaping society.
My project, “Anti-Blackness as a Structural Force in American Society,” is about how anti-Blackness is not just individual racism, but something built into major systems in American society. I focus on education, policing, media, and economic opportunity to show how these structures continue to affect Black communities today. The project is about how unfair treatment toward Black communities can happen through systems like schools, housing, policing, and the law. I want to show how these problems affect people’s lives and why change is important.
Q: Who has played an important mentorship role in your life thus far and why? Specifically at UCI?
A: My family has played one of the most important mentorship roles in my life because they have always pushed me to value education, work hard, and believe that I could build a better future. Their support has been especially important as I have moved through different countries, schools, and challenges.
Here at UCI, my professors, and campus staff have helped me understand how to navigate the university and think more seriously about my academic and career goals. Their guidance has helped me a lot in how to feel more confident as a transfer student and as someone still figuring out the best path after graduation.
Q: Are there any life experiences that have played a major role in where and who you are today?
A: As an international student, I have learned about many different cultures, languages, and systems of education, and I have also had the opportunity to experience a different way of living than what I am used to. I have had to be flexible and adaptable to changes in culture, language, educational systems, and financial situations while staying focused on my education. I believe that I have grown to be more independent, resilient, and driven by the experiences that I have gained throughout my journey as a student.
One of the greatest challenges I have faced has been finding the balance between my ambition and the reality of my finances and uncertainty while living away from home. Despite these challenges, I continue to strive towards my goals, as I know that education will help change my life and offer more hope for my future.
Q: Where can you most often be found on campus?
A: I can most often be found at the gym or around campus working, studying, or preparing for class. Since I work with UCI Campus Recreation, the fitness center has become one of the places where I spend a lot of time and feel connected to campus life.
Q: What’s your best memory thus far from your undergraduate experience at UCI?
A: One of my best memories so far has been realizing that I truly made it to UCI. As a transfer and international student, coming all the way from Brazil and going through a lot, getting here represented years of effort, adjustment, and sacrifice. Walking around campus and seeing myself as part of the UCI community is something that still feels meaningful to me.
Q: Any other interesting tidbits you would like to share?
A: I speak multiple languages, including Portuguese, English, Spanish, and Italian, and I am passionate about learning about different cultures. I am also interested in law, diplomacy, fitness, entrepreneurship, and using education as a way to create more opportunities.
My background has taught me to be adaptable and open minded, and I hope to use my experiences to connect with people from different communities and build a career that has a positive impact.